Reportable Conduct Scheme Expands

The scheme seeks to improve organisations’ responses to allegations of child abuse and child-related misconduct. Who is covered by the schemeFrom 1 January 2018, the scheme also includes:

religious bodies

organisations that:

operate a residential facility for a boarding school

provide overnight camps for children

are a public or denominational hospital or operate a private hospital

are a public health service

organisations that provide disability services, including registered disability service providers.

Read more information on who is covered by the scheme What you need to doHeads of organisations must report allegations to the Commission using our online form within three business days of becoming aware of them. They must also investigate allegations and provide us with updates within 30 days.

Heads of organisations are required to report to the Commission any reportable allegation made against a worker or volunteer in their organisation.

The organisation must ensure any reportable allegation is investigated and report its findings to the Commission.

Read more:Where to get helpWe have a range of supports available for organisations that need to comply with the scheme on our website.You can also contact us directly for clarification and guidance via:

​Agency-hired staff under the Reportable Conduct Scheme

The Commission has updated an information sheet with more detailed guidance on whose conduct is covered by the Reportable Conduct Scheme.

The updated information seeks to clarify that people who are not employed or engaged directly by your organisation may not be within the scope of the scheme.

For example, some workers hired through agencies or labour-hire companies, some workers on secondment and some contractors may not be considered to be your ‘employees’ under the scheme.

This means you may not need to notify the Commission of an allegation made against these workers.

See our updated information sheetYour responsibility to keep children safeYour organisation has a responsibility to take all allegations of child abuse and child-related misconduct seriously and respond appropriately.

Child safe organisations respond to suspected child abuse and take steps to reduce risks of harm to children.

You must continue to comply with any other reporting obligations that apply to you or your organisation, such as reporting allegations of sexual offences by an adult against a child under 16 to Victoria Police.

Have you made a report against an agency-hired worker?If you believe you have notified the Commission about an allegation against a worker who is not directly employed or engaged by your organisation, contact us.Where to get helpOrganisations covered by the Reportable Conduct Scheme should contact the Commission for clarification and guidance, and to talk through any issues of concern.